About to order, need some help!

Also, a note that I am a fatty at 230lbs. I'm not sure if that would make the tora soloair fork a better choice or not.

The windsor is the best deal in your list. Here is a decent post which lists the differences;
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=671682

gaveup said:

Ok. Finally got all my money in check and am ready to order my bike from bikes direct. However, I am stuck in between 3 bikes all around the same price.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29pro_08.htm
Around $800, and comes with a tora fork with soloair. I have no idea what soloair is, but I can assume for some reason it is better?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_elite_xi.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff29pro_xi.htm

Seems to me the windsor is close to the elite...Just smaller brakes and $100 less? Since I need a 17" it really limits what I can get from them.

Click to expand...

I went through the same process a month ago. I settled on the first one listed because it came with the Tora 318 solo air shock which has gotten great reviews. For 2011 the Tora solo air is now moved up to the Recon line. Its more adjustable than the sprung Tora TK the other two come with and is marginally lighter as well. It only has one air chamber vs the Reba which has two for more adjustability. I dont think you can go wrong with any of those choices, though. One thing to consider is the first one comes in a slate color and looks pretty cool. I'm not a fan of the yellow windsor

Went with the Phantom Pro, should be here tomorrow! thanks guys